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In the fast-paced world of product management, where innovation and adaptability are paramount, one industry leader stands out for her unique background and approach to coaching. Introducing Wendy-Lynn McClean, an esteemed Product Management Advisor and Coach whose path from photojournalism to product management has laid the foundation for an exceptional career and ignited a fervent dedication to empowering her fellow professionals in the field.
Wendy-Lynn’s odyssey into product management was a tale of unexpected twists and destined encounters. Although initially attracted to the allure of the wine industry, her path seemed quite different from that of the bustling technology industry. Little did she know that fate had mapped a different course for her. It was amidst creating an e-commerce website for her employer that Wendy-Lynn had her epiphany – an innate talent for product management lay within her. Her unmistakable signs of calling emerged as she honed her skills, constructing seamless user experiences, compelling web development proposals, and refining checkout processes.
Following this realization, Wendy-Lynn committed herself to product management, leading her to renowned technology companies’ revered halls. Her illustrious career traversed Google, Amazon, and Yelp, where she left an indelible mark. Particularly noteworthy is her work at Amazon, where she was responsible for a $1 billion customer success program. The program’s core was an automated product recommendation platform, catering expertly to more than 350,000 customers annually. In the program’s development, Wendy-Lynn played a pivotal role, engaging in meticulous planning, employing strategic acumen, and adopting a data-driven approach. The result? Remarkable outcomes that fueled substantial revenue growth and introduced transformative advancements in product offerings, ultimately revolutionizing the entire customer experience.
Aside from her role as a mentor and coach in these prominent companies, Wendy-Lynn has extensive experience in mentorship and coaching. The privilege to guide and empower nearly 2,000 product professionals, ranging from novices to esteemed Heads of Product, has become the cornerstone of her career. As part of her ongoing commitment to cultivating product talent across all organizational tiers, she also strives to nurture the next generation of managers that will become indispensable assets to their respective companies. Wendy-Lynn’s passion for innovation further propels her to spearhead the development of innovative products and galvanizes the industry through her tireless efforts.
Her coaching style places her in a league of her own within the industry. Known for her direct and candid approach, she provides honest feedback and advice to clients without hesitation. Using her no-nonsense demeanor and expertise, she ensures that her clients are exceptionally prepared for job interviews and are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in their careers. In her view, candor is crucial to unlocking one’s potential and fostering genuine growth.
In Wendy-Lynn’s dynamic coaching approach, she can simplify intricate concepts, rendering them accessible and impactful for her clients. Using her ingenuity, she specializes in designing frameworks that are presented in an easy-to-digest manner, thereby allowing her clients to witness these groundbreaking methodologies in action. Unlike traditional coaching methods, Wendy-Lynn’s hybrid approach strikes an ideal balance between inquisitive and practical guidance.
While many coaches emphasize questioning, attentive listening, and minimal intervention, Wendy-Lynn’s approach is distinguished by the interplay of insightful questions that stimulate guided discovery, complemented by invaluable, actionable advice. With her expertise, she crafts thought-provoking discovery questions, connects them with real-world situations, and provides tailored action steps to address clients’ challenges.
Dedicated to her mission, Wendy-Lynn allocates a significant portion of her time to supporting Black product managers, advocating for women and people of color who are often overlooked and lack opportunities for growth. For the past two and a half years, she has been a steadfast advocate for this underrepresented group, assisting them in clear communication and overcoming barriers in the industry.
As a highly esteemed Product Management Advisor and Coach, Wendy-Lynn’s influence has positively impacted the careers of over 2,000 product managers, with the numbers continuing to grow steadily. intrico.io, her coaching service, embodies her mission — to make private coaching accessible and impactful, nurturing the development of aspiring product managers.
In the coming years, Wendy-Lynn is committed to coaching underrepresented product managers and facilitating the diversification of the industry. “Growing talent motivates me daily, and I take pride in identifying undirected or underrepresented talent and positioning them in situations where they can thrive,” she asserts.
Focusing on the power of clarity and communication, her mission is to empower product managers to flourish and adeptly manage their organizations. In an age in which innovation and unyielding adaptability are constant demands, Wendy-Lynn stands out as a formidable force multiplier among product managers, imparting her unconventional wisdom and empowering the next generation of product leaders to shape the future of technology.
